BRICS Condemn Iran Strikes, Call Israel Gaza Withdrawal

At their summit in Rio de Janeiro, BRICS leaders issued a strong condemnation of the recent air strikes against Iran, describing them as violations of international law and expressing concern over attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities. Although the United States and Israel were not named explicitly, the statement clearly referenced their military actions that led to significant casualties and damage in Iran. The bloc also called for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip and other Palestinian territories, citing worsening humanitarian conditions after nearly two years of conflict. Host nation Brazil, led by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, accused Israel of committing “genocide” in Gaza while condemning Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel, emphasizing that it did not justify Israel's response. The declaration further criticized U.S. tariff policies under President Donald Trump, labeling them as damaging to global trade and inconsistent with WTO rules. This unified stance from BRICS highlights growing alignment among emerging powers against U.S. and Israeli military and economic actions in the Middle East and beyond.